In 2008, I enrol
led in the English Language Academy (ELA), University of San Diego (USD). My parents flew with me to America to help me settle in at the ELA. I had never been independent before. My parents were worried about me but my teacher assured them with a big smile, "Don't worry, we're going to be her family here". I will never forget how safe and warm I felt at that moment. This was my first impression of the ELA.
I was living in the dormitories. It was perfect! I was not used to living on my own. There were so many conveniences such as, study rooms, cafeterias, and a laundry room. Everything you could imagine was at my disposal. The campus was so safe!
ELA provided a strong academic preparation program. The number of students in a classroom was small for each level - basic, low intermediate, high intermediate, and advance. Each class had 15 or less students. The atmosphere was like a family made up of teachers and classmates. If I did not understand the meaning of som
ething my teachers reviewed it again and again until I got it. I think this is one of the best things about the ELA.
This picture is with my ELA friends in Point Loma. We went there for a field trip. The weather was nice, the view was beautiful....we were so excited! We viewed an interesting video about the history of Point Loma.
The other picture is with my teachers and friends from the ELA before I went back to Korea. Time flies, it has been two years since I left USD. I will never forget the happiness I felt at the University. If I ever get an opportunity, I will return to USD. My time at the ELA was not just about improving my language skills but learning to have a thankful mind, friendships, 
independence, and love. The ELA gave me more than any other language program. There are so many lovely memories I have that are vivid in my head. My teachers and friends were my family. I will always remember this experience. I miss them so much.
